You know, there are some things you think are pretty, and there are some things that just grab you. There are a few things I feel this way about. Tortoiseshell cats. Saturated blues and greens. And velvet. Something about the way it reflects light, the way it says 'TOUCH ME', just gets me every time.

Velvet was originally associated with royalty, since the process of making it was so time-intensive. The onset of the machine age has made these plush fabrics a lot more accessible, although silk velvets can still cost hundred of dollars a yard. Fortunately for us plebians, there are also cotton and synthetic versions that are a little more within reach.

Top Row:1. This couch. This color. Spotted in Joa's Quirky Cool Maisonette (click for full tour). 2. Velvet is perfect and luxe in a modern space. Nate Berkus does it right. 3. Black velvet for maximum drama. From Elle Decor. 4. Because if you're going to go for velvet, why not go all out and go for hot pink velvet? T Magazine via SF Girl by Bay. 5. Look at how that velvet just glows. Swoon. Rue Magazine via Alison Milne.

Bottom Row:6. If this couch were a word, that word would be FABULOUS. House Beautiful via The Peak of Chic. 7. Orange velvet on a modern couch reads 70s-chic to me. As seen in California Style. 8. I dream of lavender velvet, like in this living room from Lonny. 9. A vintage sofa in a russet velvet looks lovely against a brick wall in Lizzy's lovely Philadelphia loft (click for full tour). 10. Velvet in emerald green? Absolute perfection. (And there's one of those Lalanne sheep nosing about in the corner.) From Rue Magazine.